Jean Alesi: ‘Button should get the driver of the year’ award’

Group Lotus brand ambassador Jean Alesi has much-admired McLaren’s Jenson Button’s hard work in 2011 season, and he suggested Button should get the driver of the year award. Jean Alesi said through the Q&A about the Kimi Raikkonen 2012 returns.

2009 world champion Jenson Button made second in the championship standings, Button done 12 podiums includes three wins. Alesi says the memorable events of the 2011 season that – “My shoes are still drying after the Canadian Grand Prix”

How did you rate the F1 World Championship 2011 generally?

“Jean Alesi: Even though Red Bull Racing was dominant throughout, I thought it was a very interesting season and I enjoyed the races very much. Out of those 19 races, only three or four were a bit boring; I was on the edge of my seat for the rest. “

“We’ve seen lots of overtaking, lots of incidents, and there was tough competition out there, particularly between McLaren and Ferrari. Lotus Renault GP were very competitive at the start of the season as well, so overall I really enjoyed it.”

Which race stood out for you?

Jean Alesi: “My shoes are still drying after the Canadian Grand Prix, so that was memorable not least for the incredible race we saw. I could have done without the two-hour red flag delay in the middle, but that race was really exciting and it’s always great to see a change of the lead on the last lap.Sebastian Vettel was the class of the field, but who would you nominate as your Man Of The Year?”

“Apart from Vettel, who did an unbelievable job, the award should go to Jenson Button. I was not surprised by his performance, because he’s been a world champion, but the way he managed to be there all the time, even when he was struggling with set-up, and still get good points was impressive. He also pulled some great overtaking moves, so he was aggressive when he needed to be and smooth when he needed to be, adapting to the Pirelli tyres quicker than most. “

“What a mature performance, and all the more impressive when your team-mate is Lewis Hamilton and Jenson is still, essentially, the new boy. I believe 2011 was even more impressive than his championship-winning year, given that he didn’t have the best car and his team-mate was Hamilton”

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